Change is in the air for the Farmington R-7 Knights football team as they officially welcome their new head coach, Brent Eckley. With a fresh vision, and a passion for developing young athletes, Coach Eckley is ready to lead the team into an exciting new season. With more than 25 years of experience leading high school programs across Missouri and Northwest Arkansas, Coach Eckley brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a winning track record to Farmington, who most recently went 5-5 in 2024.
Eckley’s coaching career began in 1995 at Hickman Mills High School in Kansas City, and he has since built an impressive resumé. Over the years, he has amassed a remarkable 207-77 record, earning multiple district and conference Coach of the Year honors. His time at Jackson High School was particularly notable, as he led the team to five state quarterfinal appearances, a state runner-up finish in 2019, and a state championship victory in 2020. That championship-winning team was ranked as the top program in Missouri across all classifications. In recognition of his contributions to Missouri high school football, Eckley was inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022.
Originally from Iowa, Eckley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from William Penn University and later obtained a Master’s in Educational Administration. He also holds certifications in strength and conditioning, as well as K-12 physical education. He and his wife, Sherene, who is a retired teacher, have been married for 33 years and share 5 children, and 7 grandchildren.
Coach Eckley is eager to lead the Knights and is excited about both the program and becoming a part of the Farmington community. "After competing against Farmington for several years, I have great respect for this program," he shared. "The players are tough, disciplined, and dedicated. Our goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place." He also expressed his enthusiasm for joining a district where academics and athletics are highly valued. "I’m most excited to be part of a community where student success and extracurricular programs are a priority."
Part of what drew Eckley to Farmington was the rich tradition of generational sports, where parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents have worn the Knights' uniform. He understands the deep-rooted passion for football in the community and hopes to gain support not just from his athletes’ parents, but also from his fellow coaches, school staff, and the entire fan base. He believes that a strong community connection will be key to the team’s success, both on and off the field.
Coach Eckley is not only focused on developing strong football players but also on shaping well-rounded student-athletes as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of academic success and says he will work closely with his athletes to ensure they receive the support they need to excel, whether through study halls, mentorship, or accountability measures to keep them on track.
Beyond academics, Eckley has high expectations for his players when it comes to work ethic. His ideal athlete is someone who shows up early to practice, is fully prepared, and is eager to learn. He believes that success comes from discipline and a willingness to put in the work. "I want players who are coachable, who take ownership of their preparation, and who are willing to push themselves every single day," he explained. "Football is more than just a game—it’s about developing character, responsibility, and the ability to overcome challenges."
Coach Eckley is eager to invest in the youth of the Farmington community, recognizing that the future of the program starts with developing young athletes both on and off the field. By engaging with youth programs and providing mentorship, he hopes to inspire the next generation of Knights and create a culture of growth and success that extends far beyond the game. Eckley is eager to engage with the community, building relationships that strengthen the foundation of Farmington athletics.
With his wealth of experience and dedication to both athletic and academic excellence, Coach Eckley is positioned to make a lasting impact on the Farmington Knights football program. As he steps into this new role, he brings a vision of hard work, discipline, and community involvement. Farmington football has a proud history, and under Eckley’s leadership, the Knights are ready to build on the values of both tradition and progress.